Bragging rights on the line in Pitino showdown for St. Johns-New Mexico clash

It will be a family divided Sunday afternoon at the Garden. Behind the St.John’s bench will sit Rick Pitino’s daughter Jacqueline and son Ryan.

At the other end of the floor behind New Mexico’s bench will be Pitino’s wife, Joanne, her sister and best friend, supporting Rick’s son Richard. “[Joanne] told my son the other day, that Richard there’s no doubt who I’m rooting for, it’s you,” Rick said.“You’re my blood and he’s not.

It shows you how much she loves me and how much she loves Richard.” It is a fun subplot to an interesting early season game, as No.22 St.

John’s hosts undefeated New Mexico in the NYC Hoops for Heroes Classic.A portion of proceeds will go to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The elder Pitino has been talking up New Mexico over the last week, saying St.

John’s (3-0) will have to play great to remain unbeaten.Richard has heard this before.

Rick always picks the first major non-conference opponent to build up.Recently, Richard came to town to attend a Yankees World Series game with his father, a season-ticket holder.

Upon arriving in New York City, Rick told him to come to St.John’s to meet him.

The team was still practicing. “I can tell all the players were looking at me, like we don’t like this guy, because all [Rick] does is hype up your team like the Boston Celtics,” Richard recalled with a laugh.“I’m sure the players and the coaching staff are sick and tired of hearing about New Mexico.” This will mark the fourth time the two have coached against one another.

Rick won the first two meetings when he was still at Louisville (vs.Richard’s Florida International team in 2012 then Minnesota in 2014).

Richard, 42, won the third encounter in 2022 with New Mexico.After that game, the family had dinner, and Rick, known to let losses eat at him, was gracious in defeat. “We all went to Richard’s house afterwards.

He was a great sport about it.He was actually very happy for him,” said ...